While you may not be familiar with the face of Steve Ells, you certainly must have dined at one of his restaurants. This investor from NBC‘s newest competition showAmerica’s Next Great Restaurant is also the founder, co-Ceo and chairman of Chipotle Mexican Grill. But Steve is not your average Ceo, in fact first and foremost he is a chef and now is your chance to get to know more about him! Keep reading for more details!

America’s Next Great Restaurant investor Steve Ells may be the only judge and investor without any television experience, but he is not new to the restaurant industry. Steve founded Chipotle Mexican Grill in 1996 and since has been changing the way we eat. In fact more recently Steve Ells has committed to using ingredients from more sustainable sources – including naturally raised meat, organic and locally grown produce, as well as dairy products made with milk from cows that are not given synthetic hormones. This in turn allows more people to eat better in what is not considered “typical” fast food, even though Steve’s serving up fast food.

Steve Ells, who happens to be a trained chef first and foremost, should be proud of his accomplishments as they are working so far. NBC recently reports that “In 2006, Chipotle’s prominence as a company was recognized when it became one of the most successful initial public offerings of the year. Its leadership and success in business has prompted accolades from a new universe of sources, including the Wall Street Journal which said, “Chipotle has arguably become the country’s most successful fast-food chain”; SustainableBusiness.com which named Chipotle one of the “world’s top 20 sustainable stocks” two years in a row (2007 and 2008); and the Motley Fool, which called it the “most socially responsible company in 2008″. For more on Steve Ells or to read his full biography, be sure to visit NBC Bios: Steve Ells.

Be sure to tune in next week for a brand new episode of America’s Next Great Restaurant on NBC!